Chi Kung in Clerkenwell EC1

Chi Kung is an ancient form of exercise originating in China. Chi Kung translates as ‘energy exercise’ or ‘to work one’s energy.’ Exercise is important aspect of Chinese Medicine with Chi Kung developing into many different styles and forms over the millennia. One of the main underlying principles mainly involves the cultivation and circulation of Chi (Energy.)

Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung (pronounced Jam Jong) is a style of Chinese Chi Kung, often considered to be at the ‘core’ of many different styles of Chi Kung. This may be practiced lying down, sitting or standing. Once the underlying principles are learnt it can be adapted to many different aspects of both exercise and everyday life. One of the main benefits can be to help people relax, regain and also maintain their health and vitality. Simple to learn and easy to practice this system of postures and movements is more static than Tai Chi does not involve a ‘form’ and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

Shiatsu & Tuina in Clerkenwell EC1

Shiatsu is a holistic bodywork therapy from Japan which is a system of exercise, healthcare, philosophy and potential self-development based upon the principles of Yin and Yang, Shiatsu can have benefits on all levels of the human system ~ physical, emotional and spiritual.

Characterized by its apparent great simplicity shiatsu grew from earlier forms of massage, ( Anma in Japan, Tuina in China) which use rubbing, stroking, squeezing, tapping, pushing, and pulling to influence the muscles and circulatory systems of the body. Shiatsu, by contrast, uses few techniques and to an observer it would appear that little is happening with the practitioner applying relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand or thumb.

How does Shiatsu work?

The aim of Shiatsu is to help restore balance to the body. This can be on both a physical and energetical level (Eastern medicine sees no difference). By applying relaxed perpendicular pressure the session aims to “harmonize” and bring into balance the distribution and circulation/flow of life force energy (chi). If the circulation/distribution becomes unbalanced disharmony and potential “illness” can manifest as a result.

What does a Shiatsu session involve?

A treatment will usually take place on a futon, a thick padded mat on the floor and will last about an hour. The practitioner gathers details about your medical history, lifestyle and general health. This forms the basis for a diagnosis. With Shiatsu diagnosis one’s lifestyle and intention effects/alters the distribution and circulation of your energy (Chi).This distribution and circulation manifests in functioning of the body and its systems.

The practitioner applies relaxed perpendicular pressure to the receiver through their clothing (preferably loose and comfortable) and may also use stretching and joint mobilizing techniques.

To obtain the maximum benefit it is advisable not to drink alcohol or eat a heavy meal before your treatment. And after the treatment to drink plenty of water.

Adam is a senior qualified teacher at British School Shiatsu-Do and teaches throughout the UK and Europe. And is a registered teacher with the Shiatsu Society (UK)

I’ve been attending Yalckun’s mat pilates classes since September 2015, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Yalckun is an incredibly thoughtful, detailed, and thorough teacher, and his classes are always interesting, challenging, and fun. The strength and fitness I’ve gained from the class has been remarkable—it’s as close as my 45-year-old self is going to get to the fountain of youth. Like many other people, I spend an awful lot of time sitting at a computer for my work, and the mat pilates classes have been essential for me in both healing and preventing all the aches and pains that can go along with such work. Yalckun is a knowledgeable, kind, and patient teacher, and works well with a wide range of ages and fitness levels. His goal when teaching class is to improve everyone’s strength, from whatever fitness level they are at—so he will modify exercises where necessary. Yalckun is also adamant about maintaining safety for everyone’s back and joints. So (unlike some exercise classes I’ve taken at regular membership gyms), no matter how challenged I feel by Yalckun’s pilates class, I don’t fear being injured. I know the techniques Yalckun is teaching are safe, and that I won’t be pushed beyond what I am capable of doing. If you are considering pilates, I urge you to give Yalckun’s mat class a try.read more

Yalckun offers a unique experience for those who are looking for an authentic Pilates experience, but also for those with little interest in exercise, but who find themselves in need of repair. For both general well being and for those with chronic injury or requiring post operative restoration for long term well being, his advice and knowledge is invaluable. I found Yalckun after a second round of surgery for Crohn's Disease and both the underlying condition and my long term posture have improved immeasurably. I still don't like exercise per se, but I do Pilates class weekly and quite happily'.
Rachelread more

Very welcoming staff and my Pilates classes are my weekly calm oasis to come in to. Pilates beginners and intermediate mat class with Yalckun has given me my sporting life back after suffering from knee and back pain for years. Very inspiring teacher that guides you through the class and makes sure you are working safely. I am discovering and learning something new every week. I highly recommend Pilates classes with Yalckun at the centre wether you are total beginner with injury or a advance student of the method. Thank you!read more

Fantastic clinic with extremely experienced and dedicated staff. Have had various different treatments here, including pre and post natal massages, while both my husband and I have had back treatment fromShaheeda Chowdhury, one of the chiropractors, who was excellent - very friendly, very professional; gave very helpful and practical advice around breaking day to day habits that could help relieve back issues. Highly recommend!read more

Sharon Eva Degen has been my pilates teacher since 2004 and she has, quite simply, saved my life. After a car accident in my 20s and a major injury 30 years later, and facing a bleak future she has, painstakingly, and with such amazing attention to detail with her every instruction, turned my life around.
I love our sessions together, she is the best teacher ever and as a result of her 13 years of hard work with me I am now a 64 year old woman in the shape of a 23 year old.
As a dentist I was told to stop working 13 years ago, Sharon changed all that and I am still going strong!
Sharon gave me my life back!!!!read more

Pilates with Sharon Duggen is the best pilates I have been to. Really attentive teacher to ALL students. Sharon knows all there is to know. She sorted out my shoulders in two classes when before I was havng to see a chiropractor weekly. So saved me loads of money on chiropractic treatments too!read more

I loved my experience at Clerkenwellbeing yesterday. Thank you!
I went to Nicki Le Masurier's Vinyasa flow class and really enjoyed it. It was a wonderful start to the day, she really led a wonderful class and helped me, even though I'm a beginner at Vinyasa flow, to get the most out of the class.
The studio was lovely, bright and airy, and not too big but not too small and we weren't jammed in like sardines!read more

A hidden gem of a yoga studio off the beaten track. bright and airy and not too overcrowded. Teachers are welcoming and friendly, feel like you're getting individual attention. Glad I discovered this place!read more

I've been going to Tim Harwood for sports massages since he started working as a masseur. I always emerge from a session feeling about 2 inches taller and moving more freely (I have arthritis which affects my mobility and flexibility).
If you want a pampering sort of massage with lots of scented candles, don't book in with Tim. But if you need some serious unknotting of muscles from someone who is both properly qualified and really, really NICE, and are prepared for the fact that it's probably going to hurt but make you feel marvellous after, you're in the right place.read more